Day 1 — Historic St. Albans & the lake
Begin in St. Albans, the 'Maple City'. Fuel up with pastries at Red House Sweets or a coffee at The Traveled Cup, then stroll Taylor Park and step into the Saint Albans Museum to trace the 1864 Civil War raid.
In the afternoon, drive ten minutes west to Kill Kare State Park on St. Albans Bay for a shoreline walk, or log easy miles on the Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail. Have dinner at Twiggs Gastropub and finish with a flight at veteran-owned 14th Star Brewing.
Day 2 — Island escapes & delta wildlife
Catch the morning Island Runner ferry from Kill Kare to Burton Island State Park — 253 car-free acres of shoreline trails, shale beaches and a marina bistro.
Back on the mainland, drive north to Swanton and the Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge: walk the Stephen J. Young Marsh boardwalk to its observation tower, or paddle the Black Creek Canoe Trail. End with smoked BBQ and house cider at Mill River Brewing.
Day 3 — Covered bridges & sugarbushes
Head east to Montgomery to photograph its six historic covered bridges over the Trout River — the most of any town in America. Then drive south through Enosburgh and Fairfield, stopping at Boston Post Dairy for farmstead cheese and at honor-system farm stands for maple and preserves.
Wrap up with dinner at The Black Lantern Inn in Montgomery, a tavern serving farm-to-table meals since 1803.
Where to stay
St. Albans makes the most convenient base, with easy reach of the lake, the refuge and downtown dining; Montgomery is the pick for skiers and bridge-hunters near Jay Peak. Use the search to compare live prices across the county with free cancellation.
Good to know
Is a car necessary?+
Yes — like most of rural Vermont, Franklin County has little transit, and the itinerary covers the lakeshore, delta and mountains. Burlington International is about 35 minutes south.
When does the Burton Island ferry run?+
The Island Runner passenger ferry runs daily from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
Where should I base myself?+
St. Albans for lake, refuge and dining access; Montgomery if you want Jay Peak and the covered bridges on your doorstep.